Work/Life Training and Education
Work/Life offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: caregiving for children and teenagers, self-compassion for caregivers, relaxation strategies, and financial literacy.
The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep.
Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us.
No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.
Virtually:
- First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm
- Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm
If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu.
For requests: Please contact kpatchell@berkeley.edu if you would like to request a 10, 20, or 30-minute mindful meditation for your department.
ENROLLMENT
UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:
- Click on the “enroll here” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
- Enter your CalNet Passphrase.
- Click "Submit."
Fall 2026 Parenting Workshops
Planning Your Pregnancy Leave
Thursday, September 24th; Noon – 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Jurrisha Johnson, People and Culture Lead Leaves Coordinator, Sheila Blake, People and Culture Benefits Counselor/Leave Coordinator, Kristin Rissanen Ikuta, Academic Personnel Office Sr. Analyst
Facilitator: Karen Patchell, Be Well at Work, Work/Life
Are you thinking about starting a family? This workshop will provide information on leave policies, disability benefits, use of income supplements: sick/vacation/pto/pfcb, etc., and options on when/how to return to work after having a child for both academic and staff employees
Supporting Children and Teenagers Through Grief
Tuesday, September 29th, Noon - 1:30 pm
Speaker: Selina Sanchez Cristobal, Community Outreach & Crisis Response Director, Kara Grief
This workshop will provide the fundamentals of grief, and focus on identifying and supporting grief in children and teens with empathy and compassion. Kara's vision is to see people of all ages compassionately supported on their journey through grief so they can move toward renewed hope and meaning. They serve individuals who are grieving a death as well as those managing a terminal illness (their own or another’s).
Empty Nest: Navigating Change with Rediscovery and Self-Compassion
Tuesday, October 20th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Karen Patchell, MA, Be Well at Work Work/Life Lead
Adjusting to an empty nest can be a challenging yet transformative transition, and approaching it with optimism and self-compassion can provide new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. This workshop will explore the vast range of emotions and adjustments that arise when children leave home, while offering practical strategies to help navigate this pivotal milestone with resilience, grace, and rediscovery.
Transitioning Back After Baby Bonding Leave
Tuesday, April 21th, 1 pm - 4:15 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Karen Patchell, MA, Be Well at Work Work/Life, Julie Resnik, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance, Mary Kelly, MS, Be Well at Work Disability Management, Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
For both birth and non-birth parents, the transition back to work after baby bonding leave can feel overwhelming. It can be filled with a vast array of emotions, concerns, and limitations, not to mention demanding and conflicting schedules.
Join us for this panel discussion which focuses on understanding both positive and negative emotions related to this transition, how to establish boundaries at work, benefits and accommodations available to working parents, ergonomic strategies for multiple workstations, and self-care resources to help ease the physical and mental pressure associated with working while caregiving.
Breastfeeding Your Baby: Returning to Work/School
Tuesday, October 24th, 1 pm - 4:15 pm
Speaker: Tina Benitez
This 3 hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts.The first portion of the class, 1-3pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of class, 3:15-4:15pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.
Fall 2026 Financial Workshops
Navigating the System: Social Security Retirement
Wednesday, September 30th, Noon - 1 pm via MS Teams
Speaker: Vern Saeteurn, Social Security Claims Specialist, SSA
Worried about what to expect from Social Security? Find out what Social Security retirement benefits and options are available to you and your family (including divorced spouse benefits), as well as when and how to file a claim.
529 College Saving Plans
Wednesday, October 7th, Noon - 1:30 pm, via Zoom
Speaker: James Palen, TIAA Tuition Financing
How you save and plan for your loved one’s education goals matters. The way you save and allocate for college savings dictates the investments you have access to, the tax status of your funds for education expenses, and even has an impact on the needs-based financial aid your loved one is eligible to receive. Join us for a college savings workshop to help you better navigate the college savings arena. During this workshop, we will discuss:
- Paying for college “The basics”
- The cost of higher education Different ways to save
- Is ScholarShare 529 the right plan for you and your family
- Getting started Making the most of existing accounts (resources)
- The Matching Grant Program and CalKids Q&A
Understanding Credit Scores and Reports
Tuesday, Thursday, October 15th, Noon - 1 pm, via MS Teams
Speaker: Valerie Torres, VP, BMO Financial Wellness Program Manager/ Benefits Specialist
Learn what a credit score is, its importance, and how to read a credit report.
Debt Management
Perinatal Support Group for Faculty and Staff
Beginning Oct. 8th from Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Navigate early parenthood with support! Our virtual group for expectant parents and parents of 0-2 year olds offers a safe space and community for sharing, gaining insights and connection. Babies and non-birthing partners are always welcome.
Email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for bCal Scheduling and Zoom Link
Elder Care Training and Education
The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.